Though Poonam Pandey announcing her ‘death’ is not illegal per se, but deception on such a scale undermines the trust between the public, the cause, the celebrity and the campaign organizers.
In the dynamic landscape of awareness campaigns, celebrities often stand as powerful advocates for social issues, wielding influence that can shape public opinion. However, this influence comes with an immense responsibility that extends beyond the spotlight. There is a growing concern surrounding the deployment of manipulation and ethically questionable tactics by celebrities and campaign managers, diverting attention from the genuine cause at hand and sparking unnecessary controversy.
Actress Poonam Pandey’s recent act of faking her death due to cervical cancer at the age of 32 via an Instagram post may not be considered as a crime on its own, the legal ramifications arise when it is utilized as a means to commit fraud.
It is crucial to understand that the act of faking one’s death is not inherently illegal. However, the legality becomes compromised when this action is coupled with fraudulent intentions. Specifically, if an individual orchestrates a fake death to gain advantages such as accessing wills, life insurance benefits or evading financial obligations, death benefits, evading debts, alimony or child support obligations may face charges related to fraud.
It is essential to emphasize that the commission of a fraudulent act, such as benefiting from a false death report, is a punishable offence. Should someone file a report of the individual’s death on their behalf, both parties could be implicated in the crime of participating in a fraudulent death report.
Though this act of Poonam Pandey is not illegal per se but deception on such a scale undermines the trust between the public, the cause, the celebrity and the campaign organizers. Trust is crucial in any awareness campaign and deliberately misleading the audience can lead to feelings of betrayal. Moreover, the emotional toll on fans, friends and family who may believe the false news is significant, potentially overshadowing the noble message about cervical cancer awareness. Employing such shock tactics could be seen as emotionally manipulative and ethically questionable, overshadowing the importance of the cause with controversy. Alternative, more transparent approaches that emphasize real-life stories, collaboration with medical professionals, and promoting preventive measures may prove more effective without compromising ethical standards.
The bedrock of any impactful awareness campaign is trust, a currency that celebrities and their campaign managers must handle with care. As society looks to these influencers as role models, maintaining transparency in communication becomes paramount. Honesty about intentions, methods, and the desired impact is essential to preserving the credibility of the campaign and the trust of the audience.
Emotional resonance is a potent tool in awareness campaigns, but there exists a fine line between genuine connection and manipulation. Striking the right balance is crucial to ensuring that the emotional impact supports the cause rather than overshadowing it. Celebrities and campaign managers must approach storytelling with thoughtfulness, steering clear of sensationalism that could detract from the core message.
The gravity of the causes championed by awareness campaigns demands a measured approach from those in the limelight. Controversy, while attention-grabbing, has the potential to divert focus away from the very issues the campaign seeks to address. Respecting the significance of the cause requires celebrities and campaign managers to resist the allure of unnecessary sensationalism, instead maintaining a focus on the core message.
In exploring alternatives, celebrities and campaign managers have a myriad of ethical and effective approaches at their disposal. Collaborating with experts, sharing real-life stories, and promoting preventive measures are just a few examples. These approaches not only uphold ethical standards but also contribute to a lasting and positive impact on the audience, fostering a society that values integrity and responsibility in the pursuit of social betterment.
In conclusion, the responsibility of celebrities and campaign managers in the realm of awareness campaigns is multifaceted, requiring a delicate balance between influence and ethics. By prioritizing transparency, avoiding manipulation and respecting the gravity of the cause, celebrities can leverage their influence to foster positive change, serving as guardians of public trust in shaping a society that values integrity on its journey toward social progress.
Khushbu Jain is a practising advocate in the Supreme Court and founding partner of the law firm, Ark Legal. She can be contacted on X: @ advocatekhushbu